The Plateau State Government has suspended the activities of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) across the state with effect from Monday, September 21, 2026, following recent confrontations between VIO officials and transport operators in Jos.
The Commissioner for Transport, Davou Gyang Jatau, announced the suspension during an emergency meeting with leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), tricycle operators and other stakeholders in the transport sector.
Jatau said the decision was aimed at providing an opportunity for the government to review and restructure the Directorate of Vehicle Inspection.
He also directed transport unions to identify and produce members allegedly captured on video assaulting VIO officials during the recent confrontations.
The commissioner warned that any person arrested by security agencies in connection with the incidents would be prosecuted, stressing that the government would not interfere with the legal process.
According to him, the government will also establish a dedicated complaint unit and provide telephone lines through which motorists can report alleged misconduct by VIO personnel.
Jatau expressed concern over what he described as poor compliance with vehicle documentation requirements in the state.
He claimed that about 80 per cent of vehicles operating in Plateau State were without valid documents, and directed that statutory driving-age requirements be enforced to prevent underage persons from participating in commercial transportation.
The commissioner further directed that emergency meetings between transport unions and VIO authorities be replaced with mandatory monthly engagements.
He said the regular meetings would provide a platform for stakeholders to address grievances, clarify operational issues and prevent disputes from escalating.
Jatau stressed that although VIO activities would be reviewed and restructured, transport operators were expected to respect lawful enforcement procedures and use established channels to resolve complaints.
He urged all stakeholders to cooperate with the government during the review period to ensure a peaceful and orderly transport sector in the state.